My Genealogy Hound

NATHAN HILDEBRANT, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of New Jersey, his birth occurring February 15, 1806. His father and mother, John and Rachel (Potter) Hildebrant, were also born in New Jersey, and were the parents of nine children. In 1819 the family removed to Highland County, Ohio, where the father died about the year 1823. Nathan came with his mother to this State in 1837, locating in Spencer County, near Richland, and there first purchased 80 acres of Government land to which he afterward added 40 acres of canal land. He also operated a pioneer saw-mill in Grass Township, but traded it for an interest in a flouring-mill at Rockport. In 1858 he began merchandising at the Lank Mills Cross Roads, but later, engaged in similar business at Rockport. He then teamed extensively for a time, but in September, 1865, removed to his present place, which consists of 180 acres of well-improved land, and where he has since resided, excepting from 1878 to 1882, when he kept the Dale House, in Dale. He was married March 8, 1827, to Katharine Karnes, and of the nine children born to them only two sons and three daughters are yet living. In 1846 the mother died, and for his second wife he wedded Eleanor Ervin. Two children have been born to them, one yet living. The parents belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Hildebrant is a Republican, and an honored upright citizen. For twenty years he has worked at shoe-making in conjunction with farming, and is also a cooper by trade.